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Year: 2018 Inventory Unit Number/Name: OR-026-084G/

Basque Hills Southeast Addition

FORM 1

DOCUMENTATION OF BLM WILDERNESS INVENTORY

FINDINGS ON RECORD

1. Is there existing BLM wilderness inventory information on all or part of this area?

No Yes ___X____ (if more than one unit is within the area, list the names/numbers of

those units):

a) Inventory Source: Wilderness Inventory – Final Intensive Inventory Decisions;

USDI BLM - Oregon and Washington, November 1980.

b) Inventory Unit Number(s)/ Name(s): 2-84A/ Basque Hills

c) Map Name(s)/Number(s): Intensive Wilderness Inventory - Final Decisions; USDI

BLM - Oregon, November 1980.

d) BLM District(s)/Field Office(s): Lakeview District, Lakeview Resource Area & Burns

District, Andrews Resource Area.

2. BLM Inventory Findings on Record:

Existing inventory information regarding wilderness characteristics (if more than one BLM

inventory unit is associated with the area, list each unit and answer each question

individually for each inventory unit):

Unit #

Size

(historic

acres)

Natural

Condition?

Y/N

Outstanding

Solitude?

Y/N

Outstanding

Primitive &

Unconfined

Recreation?

Y/N

Supplemental

Values?

Y/N

2-84A 139,720 Y Y N Y

OR-015-084G * 1,375 Y Y N N

* The inventory of this unit was updated in 2012. However, due to a State Office-sponsored

Wilderness Inventory Consistency Evaluation and subsequent guidance, the 2012 inventory

analysis and findings are being replaced by this current 2018 inventory review.

Documentation of the 2012 inventory can be found in the wilderness inventory project

record.

Summarize any known primary reasons for prior inventory findings listed in this table:

Historic Unit 2-84A was described as a plateau with scattered foothills and areas of rim rock

scattered through the area. The northeastern portion of the subunit was made up of the south

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end of the Catlow Valley which was flat and contained several shallow lakebeds. West of the

valley and throughout the central portion of the subunit (north to south), rim rock areas

marked the edges of flat-topped plateaus. Several major rims were scattered throughout this

area including Fish Fin Rim. The western portion of the subunit was flat to gently rolling

with a few scattered areas of rim rock. The vegetation included sagebrush, rabbitbrush, and

grasses, with some salt desert shrubs in the northeast.

The subunit contained approximately 29 miles of fence, 54 miles of vehicle “ways” (these

figures included eight miles of heavily graded fenceline), 13 reservoirs, three wells, two

guzzlers, a one-half mile ditch and approximately 1,300 acres of the Hawk Valley Seeding.

These developments were well dispersed throughout the area, and, with the exception of the

graded fenceline and the seeding, were not substantially noticeable imprints of man. The

subunit appeared to be in a generally natural condition.

Because of its size, this subunit offered outstanding opportunities for achieving a sense of

solitude. The rolling hills and buttes in the center of the area offered the best opportunities,

but the broad distances between these features and the lack of vegetative screening would

limit opportunities for solitude if this central portion were considered by itself. The

remainder of the subunit, with its basically flat terrain and low vegetation offered limited

opportunities for solitude. However, because this subunit was so large it is not possible to

conclude that a visitor to this area would not have outstanding opportunities for solitude.

The subunit provided opportunities for hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, viewing

wildlife, viewing wild horses, and hunting. However, the opportunities for these activities

were not outstanding. With the exception of Fish Fin Rim, this subunit had no unique

features or attractions which added to the recreational value of the subunit.

Supplemental values included winter range for antelope and off-site views of Steens

Mountain, the Pueblo Mountains, Hawk Mountain, Beaty Butte, Hart Mountain, and the

Catlow Valley.

The final decision dropped the 1,300 acre seeding in Hawk Valley from the unit boundary to

eliminate this unnatural feature.

FORM 2

DOCUMENTATION OF CURRENT WILDERNESS INVENTORY

CONDITIONS

Unit Number/Name: OR-026-084G/ Basque Hills Southeast Addition

(1) Is the unit of sufficient size? Yes X No_____

Between 2008 and 2016, BLM staff conducted field inventory in the area as part of a process

to update its road and wilderness inventories and to gather additional information to

supplement ONDA’s wilderness information. This fieldwork included photo documentation

of the boundary and interior routes and a re-evaluation of wilderness characteristics for this

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area. Using both ONDA and BLM photos, field logs, and staff field knowledge, the BLM

completed route analysis within the area in 2017.

The BLM determined that the inventory unit is bounded by BLM Roads 6126-00 to the east;

6126-D0 to the south; private lands in the southwest; and is contiguous with Basque Hills

WSA to the north as BLM interim numbered route 6126-DA no longer meets the wilderness

definition of a road.

Thus, based on these boundary and road determinations, the BLM found the Basque Hills

Southeast Addition does not meet the minimum size criteria at approximately 1,374 acres of

BLM-administered lands. However, it does meet one of the exceptions to the size criteria;

namely, that it is contiguous with BLM’s 137,220-acre Basque Hills WSA to the north.

Additional background on the process that the BLM followed during this evaluation is

contained in the document, Wilderness Inventory Maintenance Process for the Lakeview

Resource Area, BLM and in the Route Analysis Forms. Both documents can be found in the

wilderness inventory file.

DESCRIPTION OF CURRENT CONDITIONS:

The unit is located approximately 42 miles east of Adel, Oregon. The unit is approximately 6

miles long by 2 miles wide. The unit constitutes the west half of Hawk Valley, at an

elevation of 5,500 feet. Vegetation consists largely of an old crested wheatgrass seeding that

has been invaded by sagebrush, rabbit brush, bitterbrush, and native grasses.

(2) Is the unit in a natural condition? Yes X No ____ N/A _____

In 1980, the much larger historic Unit 2-84A (which became Basque Hills WSA) contained

approximately 29 miles of fence, 54 miles of vehicle “ways” (these figures included eight

miles of heavily graded fenceline), 13 reservoirs, three wells, two guzzlers, and one-half mile

ditch. These developments were well dispersed throughout the area, and, with the exception

of the graded fenceline, were not substantially noticeable imprints of man. The subunit

appeared to be in a generally natural condition.

The unit currently contains the following man-made developments/ disturbances: 1,016 acres

of chemical treatments, 570 acres of seeding, 2.25 miles of motorized routs, and 0.5 miles of

reclaiming routes.

Presently, almost 4 decades after the original inventory, these developments are weathered

and grown over with herbaceous grasses, sagebrush, and rabbit brush. As a result,

developments now fade into the background of the unit and are largely only noticeable at a

close distance (1/4th mile or less) and are thus substantially unnoticeable from further

distances. Furthermore, many of the disturbances are located near the perimeter of the unit

and, as such, have a small area of influence.

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Based on a review of all the available information including photos, staff knowledge, and

field review, the BLM concluded, based on its own merits, that the Basque Hills Southeast

Addition appears in a natural condition where the imprint of man are substantially

unnoticeable. Furthermore, since the unit is now contiguous with the Basque Hills WSA, the

Basque Hills Southeast Addition must be analyzed in the context of these now shared

wilderness values. After considering wilderness values offered by both units, the BLM

determined that the Basque Hills Southeast Addition and the WSA contribute mutually

additive effects to the natural condition of both units as a whole. Thus, the area was found to

be in a natural condition primarily affected by the forces of nature.

(3) Does the unit (or the remainder of the unit if a portion has been excluded due to

unnaturalness and the remainder is of sufficient size) have outstanding opportunities for

solitude? Yes X No ____ N/A _____

In 1980, the much larger historic Unit 2-84A (which became Basque Hills WSA) was found

to possess outstanding opportunities for solitude due to topographic screening from rolling

hills and buttes in the center of the area, as well as, the large scale (distance and size) of the

unit.

The BLM determined that the Basque Hills Southeast Addition on its own merit, provides

limited opportunities for solitude and ultimately lacks adequate size or screening to provide

outstanding opportunities. The unit is approximately 6 miles long by 2 miles wide. The unit

constitutes the west half of Hawk Valley, at an elevation of 5,500 feet. Vegetation consists

largely of an old crested wheatgrass seeding that has been invaded by sagebrush, rabbit

brush, bitterbrush, and native grasses. However, opportunities would be enhanced by the

additive effect of outstanding opportunities for solitude present within the 137,220-acre

Basque Hills WSA to the north and must be analyzed in the context of these now shared

wilderness values.

Thus, for the reasons specified above and based on a review of all the available information

including (BLM and citizen provided) photos, staff knowledge, and field review, the BLM

concluded that one would be able to avoid the sights and sounds of others within the Basque

Hills Southeast Addition due to the contiguous values of the Basque Hills WSA.

(4) Does the unit (or the remainder of the unit if a portion has been excluded due to

unnaturalness and the remainder is of sufficient size) have outstanding opportunities for

primitive and unconfined recreation? Yes ____No X N/A _____

In 1980, the much larger historic Unit 2-84A (which became Basque Hills WSA) was found

to possess opportunities for hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, viewing wildlife, viewing

wild horses, and hunting. However, the opportunities for these activities (with exception of

Fish Fin Rim) were found to be less than outstanding.

The BLM determined that the Basque Hills Southeast Addition on its own merit, provides

limited opportunities for primitive and unconfined recreation and ultimately lacks adequate

size and unique features to provide outstanding opportunities. Furthermore, even in the

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context of shared recreation values with the contiguous Basque Hills WSA to the north,

combined values would not substantially alter opportunities to the point of being outstanding.

Thus, for the reasons specified above and based on a review of all the available information

including (BLM and citizen provided) photos, staff knowledge, and field review, the BLM

concluded that Basque Hills Southeast Addition lacks outstanding opportunities for primitive

and unconfined recreation.

(5) Does the unit have supplemental values? Yes X No ____ N/A _____

The BLM found the unit to possess archaeological and geological values as well as the

presence of mule deer, pronghorn antelope, California bighorn sheep, and sage-grouse

habitat.

Prepared by (Member Names and Titles):

ep /'1 / t Cl • Date

Approved by:

J.~/Jv' Field Manager

This form documents information that constitutes an inventory finding on wilderness characteristics. It does not represent a formal land use a/location or a final agency decision subject to administrative remedies under 43 CFRparts either 4 or 1610.5-2. ·

Summary of Findings and Conclusion

Unit Number and Name: OR-026-0840/ Basque Hills Southeast Addition

Summary Results of Analysis:

1. Does the area meet the size requirements? _x__ Yes No

2. Does the area appear to be natural? _x__ Yes No

3. Does the area offer outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type ofrecreation? _x__ Yes No NA

4. Does the area have supplemental values? _x__ Yes No NA

Conclusion (Check One):

__ X __ The area- or a portion of the area- has wilderness character: (items 1, 2 and 3 must be checked "yes").

____ The area does not have wilderness character: (any of items 1, 2 and 3 are checked "no").

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395

140

31Lakeview

Resource Area

Bly

Adel

PlushBeatty

Paisley

Lakeview

Fort Rock

Summer Lake

Silver Lake

Valley Falls

Christmas Valley

Wilderness Character Inventory Vicinity Map:

10 0 10 20 305

Miles

Basque Hills Southeast Addition

Wilderness Character Inventory Unit

70

6126-DA

6126-H

6126-DB

6126-D

0

6126-00

6126-C0

6126-D

0

6126-006126-D0

6126-00

6126-D

0

6126-00

Wilderness Character Inventory Unit: Basque Hills Southeast Addition

Water Developments

Spring DevelopmentTroughGuzzler

Pipelines and DitchesDitchWater Pipeline

Motorized RoutesOwnershipBureau of Land ManagementU.S. Forest ServiceStatePrivate/Unknown

Roads/TrailsDam

Water Diversion

ReservoirWater Tank

Well - WaterWaterholeHighways

Reclaiming Routes

Wilderness Character Inventory Unit 0.4 0 0.40.2 Miles

Fences

Interim Routes